M. Bulatov (1914–1963)

When Masha's friends invite her to accompany them on a mushroom and berry-picking trip to the woods, her loving grandparents warn her not wander too far from her companions. But - as is so often the case in the world of folklore - an early warning is almost a gaurantee that the prohibited action will occur, and Masha does indeed wander off. Eventually finding herself the captive house-keeper of a bear, Masha longs to return home to her grandparents. But how can she run away, when she doesn't know which direction to take, and the bear has threatened to eat her, if she does...?

This retelling of a Russian folktale is a classic example of the triumph of the clever heroine over a physically stronger opponent. Printed in the former Soviet Union for the English-language market, it is illustrated with Y. Rachev's bright, simple artwork.… (meer)

The youngest of three brothers (a running theme in Russian folklore), Ivan was considered a fool by his elders. But when a watchful night in the fields, and a wild midnight ride, gained him the services of Chestnut-Grey - a magical stallion with a mane of silver and gold - he ended up winning the hand of the Tsar's daughter, Elena the Beautiful...

This Russian folktale, printed by Moscow-based Progress Publishers for the English-language market in 1977, reads like a simplified version of the classic Sivka-Burka. M. Bulatov, who also retold Masha and the Bear, delivers a somewhat choppy narrative, although it's possible that was owing to the translation. The illustrations, by T. Mavrina, are pleasant but blurry. All in all, this is one that only dedicated Russian folklore enthusiasts - particularly those interested in the editions put out by Soviet-era publishers - will want to seek out.… (meer)